Zoo achieves membership to association

Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens has achieved full membership to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

It means that Northumberland College’s live tourist attraction shows commitment to animal welfare, education, research and conservation.

The zoo achieved the membership by completing a mentoring scheme with members of two BIAZA associated zoo collections.

All areas of the zoological gardens were assessed during a series of mentor visits including record keeping, welfare of animals, ethical review process, licensing, diets, education and health and safety.

This membership places Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens in a unique position alongside just two other college collections in the UK that have BIAZA membership and over 100 other leading zoological collections in the UK.

Steven Sykes, animal resource centre manager at Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens, said: “We have worked very hard since opening three years ago to ensure that we meet the industry standards set by BIAZA.

“The membership shows the public how committed we are to caring for animals and training students to the highest standards and industry practices.”